Gotta love spending an afternoon with mom at the mall and topping it off with a trip to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch!
After doing a little bit of shopping (or “window” shopping, shall I say) we were both starving and decided to pop in for some food. Of course, we had to start off with some of their delicious bread.
Seriously. The darker one? What is it, pumpernickel? Honey something? Good lord…all I know is that it’s amazing. And it was fresh and warm. YUM.
For my lunch, I ended up deciding on their Skinnylicious Chopped Salad.
I’m a major fan of chopped salads, and this one definitely did not disappoint. It came with romaine, grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, corn, bacon, blue cheese, apples, and cilantro, and apart from there being just a tad too much blue cheese, this thing was faaaaantabulous.
One of the things I love about chopped salads is that, somehow, they never end up needing all that much dressing. I got my vinaigrette on the side and barely needed to use any of it…it was flavorful enough on its own.
Of course, when in Rome… 
Mom and I split a slice of Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake – Pecan Brownie and Caramel-Fudge Swirl Cheesecake, Topped with Caramel Turtle Pecans and Chocolate – and, umm, yeah. InSANEly good.
The two of us polished that thing off noooo problem.
After lunch, as we were heading back out to the cars, we ended up passing one of those kiosks in the middle of the mall…you know, the ones that are armed with workers that make a beeline for you as soon as you make eye contact?
Typically, I make sure to avoid those things like the plague and instead, indulge myself in some heavy conversation, start browsing through my purse like I’m searching for something, or look the complete opposite direction when passing them. But for some reason, we ended up getting drawn in today.
And then this happened.
I’ve been needing a new flat iron for the longest time now, but just never bit the bullet and bought one. Since mom is a hairdresser, I kept giving her “the eye” as the lady was talking to us and explaining the product, just to see whether or not she was giving us any BS.
Turns out, the HerStyler brand is a pretty good product, and between it being on sale and my mom’s “hairdresser discount,” we got it down from $200 to $110.
And it even came in purple so really, I was sold from that point on. Either that or after the lady ended up curling a few pieces of my hair. (FYI: Offer to curl/play/up-do my hair and we’ll be BFF’s for life).
I can’t wait to start playing with it and attempt to make some fun curls!
What’s everyone got on the agenda for the weekend? Jay and I had our softball game for tonight get cancelled so we may be spending the evening with some friends, followed by a possible out-of-state day trip tomorrow(!). Gotta knock another state off of our adventure map at some point this year!
Welcome to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life! I'm Courtney, a 28-year old personal trainer living in Upstate, NY. I enjoy all things related to food, fitness, and fashion, as well as feeding my huge sweet tooth. To find out a little bit more about the girl behind the blog, check out my 
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I love chopped salads in the summer. You’re totally right – go easy on the dressing so you can really taste the flavor of the vegetables.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Weights & baby animals
I’ve never heard of that kind. I have a Chi now I love it… I remember biting the bullet for it…then my kids shut it in the bathroom door a week later and I cried. Good thing they had a return policy! They aren’t cheap but a good one is so much better for your hair.
Renee recently posted..Bridal Shower & Bootcamp
The only reason I know about the Cheese Cake Factory is because of The Big Bang Theory!!!
Michelle@Peachy Palate recently posted..Grain free living
Love that show!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life recently posted..You’re Doing it Wrong Right
It’s so funny!
Michelle@Peachy Palate recently posted..Grain free living
love chop salad, love that everything is cut so small that you can get a little bit of everything in a bite!
amy recently posted..Understanding body image
Courtney!! My bf Scott opened the first Austin Dell- Kiosk and worked right next to the HerStyler kiosk at the mall, and I have had my green colored straightener for a little over a year now = LOVE IT. My only rec. is to not turn the heat ALL the way up, i usually do it at about 75% cause it gets SO hot! The curls look great too
it’s a good buy dont worry! At first I thought he was victim to the kiosk people, but crazy enough it is a really good flat iron!!
Amanda @ Maggiano Takes Austin recently posted..Life Lately via Instagram/IPhone
Oh YAY! That’s so good to know, haha. Thanks, Amanda!
Courtney,
I bought the Herstyler too, but from Crossgates Mall, about two years ago. A few months in, my Herstyler broke and I returned it to the same kiosk (with the receipt!) and exchanged it for a new one at no cost. This happened a few more times and each time I took my original receipt back and then kept giving me a replacement one for free. Moral of the story is: keep your original receipt! If something breaks on it or it stops working, you can exchange it for a free replacement at no cost as long as its within a year of the date on the receipt.
By the way, I’m so jealous of your Cheesecake Factory trip.
I LOVE the Cheesecake Factory’s Chopped Salad. It’s easily one of my favorite things to eat there. Good choice!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted..Why Do I Blog?
Cheesecake factory has the best bread! haha I’m always in heaven when I get it haha
Rachel recently posted..Saving Butterflies
The kiosk people scare me, but I am glad you had your mom with you to make sure it was a good deal!
I just visited the Cheesecake Factory this week, too! I tried their promoted cheesecake, the Hershey’s one, because I’m a chocoholic, and it was by far one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Like you said, when in Rome!
I went to cheesecake factory for my bday this past sunday! White chocolate macademia nut cheesecake! Yum! Skinnylicious salmon and strawberry martini are must try’s!!
krystal@coffeecardiogoddess recently posted..WIAW: Foodie
i need to buy a new good hair straightner! i’ve been lazy this summer and mainly just wearing my hair wavy but it is such a good investment to have a good hair straightner!
Chelcie of Chelcie’s Food Files recently posted..Five things Friday
Yay for road trips! Have you ever been to Newport, RI? It’s one of my fave places around and only 3 hrs from Albany! My hubby and I go every year for the Food and Wine Festival and also try to go each spring – it’s just so much fun!
It’s probably been five years since I’ve been to The Cheesecake Factory- it was so stinking delicious the last time I was there—- good heavens that cheesecake! Mmmmm!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..Exercise During Pregnancy….. It does a body good! {part II}
I’m in heaven over that dessert. Holy cow! BTW, is there a curling iron you have that you like? I just bought a newer revlon and it disappoints me to no end
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..Tamale Pie
My two cents, Alysha, as I grew up in a hairdresser’s home.
I would highly suggest Hot Tools. They’re definitely more expensive & you’ll probably have to buy one from a salon but they are worth it.
Trisha recently posted..Thirsty Thursday: Root Beer Float Slushed
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I know they sell Hot Tools at Ulta. So I think I’m going to break down and buy one.
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..Tamale Pie
It’s been LONG time since I’ve eaten at Cheesecake factory but I DO remember that bread. Holy yum!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..Fitness Friday
I think it’s impossible to forget that bread. So friggen good!
Jessie recently posted..I may just scream…
Going out for Mexican for an anniversary dinner date tonight…super excited!
If you show me anything purple, I’ll be all over that instantly. Such a consumer.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Now That’s a Blonde Moment.
Love love love the cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory! You’re making me want to change our “date night” plans for tomorrow and go there instead!!
We’re planning on doing some boring house things for most of tomorrow, followed by a much-needed date night!
Have a great weekend, Courtney!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated recently posted..European Vacation, Part Uno
I work part time at a store in my mall, and whenever I pass by the HerStyler kiosk, they always, always, always try to get me to come over, even after knowing that I work there! But I have heard great things about their products, so whenever my Chi poops out, I’ll indulge them and stop by
Katherine @ The Fit Lady Sings recently posted..Sava’s and a lackluster run
you should definitely come to Rhode Island… so many good restaurants..
I’ve only been to the Cheesecake Factory once–I was so overwhelmed by all of the menu choices! I wish I would have known about this salad, because it looks amazing!
Enjoy your out-of-state trip–spur of the moment plans are the best! My husband and I are running a 5K with some friends tomorrow, and then we’re headed to my parents’ house for a last-minute end-of-summer weekend away!
Allison @ Running Through Red Lights recently posted..#FitStreak Friday: Week 2 Recap
I love the darker bread too…so delicious! Their salads are good too. Yay for discounts!…it was meant to be today, lol.
Hope you have a fun night with your friends and a nice weekend road-trip!
Melissa @ runscootsrun.blogspot.com recently posted..It’s Fridayyyyyy
You know, I’ve been reading your blog for awhile & I’m always thinking that we have so much in common. From marrying the men we started dating in our teens to the relationship you have with your family & friends.
This post was totally something I could have written. I love shopping & lunching with my mom. We both pretend we’re sending a really important text when walking past those kiosks. My mom is also a hairdresser. If I ever stopped at the flat iron place at our mall & found out that I could get one in purple, I’d be sold too.
Trisha recently posted..Thirsty Thursday: Root Beer Float Slushed
I seriously go to Cheesecake Factory just for that bread!! I even ask them to pack me some to-go every time! The hubby always gets embarrassed, but I got no shame
. I got a flat iron too, and I’ve been trying to curl my hair in hopes of getting that natural wave. My hair is ridiculously straight and sticks straight to my face like seaweed. I’ve tried Julie’s and other youtube girls’ methods, but my hair is hopeless. It just ends up looking fried…Good luck to you! If you figure out some cool tricks, let us know!!
Min recently posted..Seaweed Soup
That cheesecake looks incredible! I haven’t been to Cheesecake Factory is way too long. They have amazing salads and of course very decadent desserts!
Katy recently posted..Farmshare Friday
I always dominate the brown loaf of bread when my husband & I go to the Cheesecake Factory; it’s the best!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..My Favorite Home Websites
LOVE cheesecake factory! They’re super GF friendly and really try to accommodate. I was just there last week!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey recently posted..fun facts friday
OMG I hate those mall kisoks!! But looks like you got a great deal!!
Lydia recently posted..So much to do, so little time…
That bread at Cheesecake Factory is the best!! I go there all the time with my grandparents, and we always end up getting seconds of that. Next time you’re there, try the pulled pork sandwich. It is ah-mazing!!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape recently posted..Mediterranean Couscous with Olives and Artichokes
Your lunch looks absolutely perfect! I love that brown bread too.
Kim@hungryhealthygirl recently posted..Road Trip Snacks & No-Bake Cookies
I have that exact flat iron and LOVE IT! It’s the only flat iron I’ll use now, even though I’ve tried many others. I’ve had it for about 2 years now. It’s also that only hot tool that can curl my hair without the curls falling out later in the day. I can literally brush my hair through the curls and they stay perfectly! Hope you like it
Goingto Cheesecake Factory and not ordering cheesecake is just wrong…glad you didn’t go down that road
Khushboo recently posted..Weekend Reads
Holy cow that cheesecake looks amazing!
Omg Courtney! I was there last night and was oh so close to snagging the purple HerStyler after getting my hair straightened, curled, then curled with extensions! I’m glad I didn’t grab it though since the special they offered me was $125 and you snagged it for $110. Too funny
Jennifer @ Healthy Wifestyles recently posted..Hakuna Frittata {Zucchini & Quinoa Frittata}
That salad does look super delicious! Yum.
I’ve actually never had cheesecake factory before! Looks good though.
I have that flat iron as well. My sisters a hair dresser so I always have to get the down low from her. Its not my favourite for straightening, but I like it for curling my hair.
Lisa recently posted..“Fat” Days
That cheesecake looks amazing! Drooling! Keep us updates with the flat iron! Good bargaining skills
Bek @ Crave recently posted..Mixing it up with pancakes
Reason #2 for loving a chopped salad: You’ll never take a big bite out of your salad and have a piece of lettuce unattractively hanging out of your mouth.
Divya @ Eat.Teach.Blog. recently posted..A HUGE thank you to Maren!
I got a new straightener this weekend, too! And it’s purple!!!
I’ve used the Her Styler brand before. I liked it but did have trouble with the cord wiring shorting out. But it works great
Mollie @Sprinkles of Life recently posted..Zucchini Bread- A Healthy Version!